As Khaleda Zia's Son Tarique Rahman Returns To Bangladesh, Here's What He Did In London In Exile

Last Updated:December 25, 2025, 10:24 IST

From London, Rahman oversaw the party’s structures, maintained its cohesion through years of legal and political setbacks, and, from 2009 onwards, served in senior BNP posts

In 2015, Rahman established a private public relations and communications company named White and Blue Consultants Limited. (AFP)

Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh ist Party (BNP) and son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, is all set to return to Dhaka on Thursday after nearly 17 years in self-imposed exile in London—a moment party leaders and supporters are calling historic and potentially transformative for the country’s politics.

Rahman, 60, has long been a central figure in the BNP’s leadership, even while abroad. He left Bangladesh in 2008 after being released from prison during a political crisis and lived in London with his family while continuing to lead the party from afar.

During his exile, Rahman remained deeply involved in BNP organisation and strategy. From London, he oversaw the party’s structures, maintained its cohesion through years of legal and political setbacks, and, from 2009 onwards, served in senior BNP posts, including senior vice-chairman before becoming acting chairman after his mother’s imprisonment, Al Jazeera reported.

In 2015, Rahman established a private public relations and communications company named White and Blue Consultants Limited. Incorporation records filed with the UK Companies House initially identified his nationality as British; this was later revised in 2016, when he updated the documents to state Bangladeshi nationality.

Following the collapse of the Hasina government in 2024, Rahman announced his intention to return to Bangladesh once the legal cases against him were withdrawn. He also committed to backing the reform agenda of the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus.

Rahman’s return coincides with the lead-up to national parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, 2026, in which the BNP is positioning itself as a leading contender for power following the fall of long-time rival Sheikh Hasina last year in a student-led political upheaval.

The BNP has coordinated large-scale reception plans, with party officials saying they expect a turnout of up to five million supporters along Rahman’s route from the airport into the capital—a show of strength designed to consolidate support and signal momentum before the polls.

Why Is The Homecoming Significant?

With Khaleda Zia’s health in decline, many in the BNP see Rahman as the logical leader of the opposition, expected to front the party’s campaign and potentially lead it into government if it wins a majority.

Bangladesh’s upcoming elections are widely viewed as a test of democratic stability and the ability of political institutions to mediate competition peacefully after years of polarization. The BNP hopes Rahman’s presence will boost turnout, unify party rank-and-file, and enhance its legitimacy as an alternative to the Awami League era.

According to Dhaka Tribune, the BNP’s ability to draw large crowds may translate into electoral support, especially among voters yearning for a break from recent unrest and looking for a credible leadership alternative.

News world As Khaleda Zia's Son Tarique Rahman Returns To Bangladesh, Here's What He Did In London In Exile

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